Jamaal Millisock has overcome many challenges in his life. In 2021, he faced one of the biggest challenges of all - a stomach cancer diagnosis that he had to fight to receive after visiting multiple doctors and specialists. He had a total gastrectomy, and has been free of cancer for the last few months.
"I knew in my gut that I had cancer - all of the signs were there. But it took over a year to get a diagnosis. I had to fight to get the tests I needed, like an endoscopy and colonoscopy. The hospital spent six months treating me for H.pylori. When I received the news about my diagnosis, I was driving around town, searching for a vehicle that was stolen from my driveway. I was heartbroken, but not surprised.
I had a total gastrectomy with one of the best surgeons I could find, and the surgery went very well. But shortly after, a new microscopic spot showed up, and I was officially declared as being stage 4. At this point, they couldn't do anything further for me. I wasn't done fighting, so I searched for a new care team.
Today, I have excellent doctors monitoring me. I am technically NED, but treating every day with respect since each day with my friends and family is a blessing."